Ah, those lazy, hazy, crazy nights of summer

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Remember those fine summer evenings together in Halsted Field waiting for the sun to go down so the movie could start? Get ready for Movies in the Field--the sequel.

The City of Two Harbors is again taking the lead in organizing this year's free series and is seeking volunteers and sponsors from around the county.

The film commission had its first meeting of the year Tuesday. Councilor Dan Jones, commission chair, said the schedule for the Saturday night series hasn't been finalized yet. Plans are to run it from sometime in late June until around Labor Day.

In reviewing last year's success, the committee determined that the most popular films were Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, which was shown on Heritage Days weekend, Shrek and Cars. The group is seeking suggestions for other titles, especially animated family films that appeal to grownups as well as children.

Films by Disney and its subsidiaries are likely choices, but the corporation restricts free showings to dates that don't conflict with openings of their current releases. Because of the blackout dates, there likely will be only two nights at the end of the summer when Disney features can be screened.

It costs about $19,000 to put on the 10-week series.

Most of the cost, $17,000, goes for purchasing the rights to show the films and paying for the 40x20 inflatable screen and equipment setup by Twin Ports Outdoor Movies. Other costs are advertising and biffies.

The Lake County board and a variety of local businesses contributed last year. There was a free AEOA bus that brought folks down from the Silver Bay area for some of the screenings.

Councilor Jason Kuettel volunteered to coordinate marketing and sponsorships. Volunteers are also needed to open the field gates and stick around after the film to lock up.

If high winds or lightening threaten, a coordinated decision needs to be made about whether to move the whole kit and caboodle to the Lake County Arena. That only happened once last summer, said Jones, and with Lake Superior's cool breezes, bugs were only a problem on one night.

“Just bring your blanket, we’ll provide the stars,” as company owner Trent Edgerton says on his website www.twinportsoutdoormovies.com.

The schedule for Two Harbors--and for Duluth showings at Leif Erickson Park--will be posted there this summer.

To volunteer, sponsor the series or make a suggestion for the film roster, contact Jones through Two Harbors City Hall (218) 834-5631 or come to the next film commission meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m.

Tags: movies